To answer Chuck's question simply use the article where Dr. Cohick writes, "In a licit marriage, the father’s status was given to his children. In all other marriages, such as between those who were foreigners or between those who were born free but not citizens, the child took the mother’s social status."
Because Paul's mother was a Roman citizen he would have taken HER social status because his father was Jew. Not only that, it seems to me that Paul's father could NOT have been both a Pharisee and a Roman citizen - that sect surely would not have stood for such a thing. They only used Roman arguments when trying to find a way to kill Jesus (he was committing treason by claiming to be a king). But it seems they were anti-Roman for all other purposes. So, because Paul's father was a Pharisee he could train and study to be one too under the likes of the great Gamiliel and probably only brought up his Roman status in times when it would give him an opportunity to share about Jesus - as with the guards, whom he undoubtedly showed great grace and mercy towards.

"Pay to Play" has become a catch-phrase in the Chicago-land area where I live. Our governor has been impeached by the State House after charges were leveled that he offered to ‘sell’ the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama to the most lucrative bid. It reminded me of another sto...